Tips to avoid getting scammed by a mechanic

Feel like your mechanic is scamming you? Here are some tips that can help you spot if a repair shop is trustworthy.

By Houston Chronicle Web Staff

on March 19, 2013 1:30 PM

Photo: Flickr

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Get an estimate: An estimate can protect you from charges you hadn’t expected or noticed. Mechanics can raise the price by using a more expensive fluid or part than what’s required. Photo: adamthelibrarian, Flickr

Get an estimate: An estimate can protect you from charges you... Photo-4342297.58621 - GreenwichTime

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Old-fashioned upgrade: Oil change joints are notorious for telling you about a dirty air filter or cabin filter. They’ll even show you a dirty filter to prove it, but it can sometimes turn out to be a scam. Most cars only require filter changes every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. Photo: OMFGmatt, Flickr

Old-fashioned upgrade: Oil change joints are notorious for telling you about a dirty air filter or cabin filter. They’ll even show you a dirty filter to prove it, but it can sometimes turn out to be a scam.

Coolant flush can be costly: Mechanics can suggest a coolant flush, but it doesn’t mean it’s necessary. Coolant and some other fluids can operate efficiently up to 100,000 miles. Photo: Cult Gigolo, Flickr

Coolant flush can be costly: Mechanics can suggest a coolant flush, but it doesn’t mean it’s necessary. Coolant and some other fluids can operate efficiently up to 100,000 miles. Photo: Cult Gigolo, Flickr

Coolant flush can be costly: Mechanics can suggest a coolant... Photo-4342300.58621 - GreenwichTime

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Check belts and plugs yourself: You can easily spot when a belt needs to be replaced. You should look for any cracks or cuts and make sure the belt is still tight. If it looks stretched or cracked, you should replace it. Photo: SkipSteuart, Flickr

Check belts and plugs yourself: You can easily spot when a belt needs to be replaced. You should look for any cracks or cuts and make sure the belt is still tight. If it looks stretched or cracked, you should

Check belts and plugs yourself: You can easily spot when a belt... Photo-4342301.58621 - GreenwichTime

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Keep your receipts: Your best tip to avoid getting scammed is to keep all of your receipts. Those documents can help you keep track of replaced air filters, flushed coolants and other routine maintenance. Photo: The Toad, Flickr

Keep your receipts: Your best tip to avoid getting scammed is to keep all of your receipts. Those documents can help you keep track of replaced air filters, flushed coolants and other routine maintenance.

Ask about cheaper options: Mechanics may recommend a more expensive fluid or repair, but it doesn’t mean it is a requirement. Your car could run just as well on a low-grade oil than a high-mileage oil. Photo: Jonesemyr, Flickr

Ask about cheaper options: Mechanics may recommend a more expensive fluid or repair, but it doesn’t mean it is a requirement. Your car could run just as well on a low-grade oil than a high-mileage oil. Photo:

Stay on a schedule: Car maintenance can often be put on the back burner until a problem arises. You can avoid car troubles and scams by sticking to the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance. Photo: Ajalfaro, Flickr

Stay on a schedule: Car maintenance can often be put on the back burner until a problem arises. You can avoid car troubles and scams by sticking to the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance. Photo: Ajalfaro,

Stay on a schedule : Car maintenance can often be put on the back... Photo-4342305.58621 - GreenwichTime

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Check out the lot: A worker’s desk can say quite a bit about their work habits. The same is true for a mechanic’s work area. It’s a good sign if the lot is clean and not full of clunkers or half-done repairs. Photo: Catchesthelight, Flickr

Check the BBB: The Better Business Bureau can tell you whether there are complaints against the repair shop or the dealership you are thinking about using. This could be the first hint of a problem. Photo: Catchesthelight, Flickr

Check the BBB: The Better Business Bureau can tell you whether there are complaints against the repair shop or the dealership you are thinking about using. This could be the first hint of a problem. Photo:

Check the BBB : The Better Business Bureau can tell you whether... Photo-4342295.58621 - GreenwichTime

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Do your homework: If you are iffy about a suggestion, don’t hesitate to look it up online or in a repair manual. You might find out that it’s a valid complaint or that it’s totally bogus. Photo: Katie and Joe, Flickr

Do your homework: If you are iffy about a suggestion, don’t hesitate to look it up online or in a repair manual. You might find out that it’s a valid complaint or that it’s totally bogus. Photo: Katie and